Hawaii Food & Wine Festival raises record $414,000 for charity

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival raised a record $414,000 for 23 non-profit beneficiaries from its landmark seventh annual event. The events from October 20-November 5, 2017 attracted more than 10,000 attendees for the first time, and boosted total giving from Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival (HFWF) to more than $2 million in seven years.

“As Hawaii Food & Wine Festival grows and shines a spotlight on Hawaii as a culinary destination, we’re able to raise more money for nonprofit charitable organizations that share our passion for food sustainability, culture, education and causes that align with our mission,” says Denise Yamaguchi, HFWF Chief Executive Officer. “It’s rewarding to give back and invest in our up and coming chef talent at local culinary colleges, local farmers, and ag education for children. This year, it was also important for us to lend a hand to California wineries affected by wildfire since they’re staples of our Festival.”

A $407,000 check presented during a Mahalo Reception March 5th at Mariposa brought the grand total for money donated in 2017 to beneficiaries to $414,000 for HFWF. The reception featured tastings by HFWF Co-Founders Roy Yamaguchi & Alan Wong, Colin Hazama from Royal Hawaiian, and Mariposa’s Lawrence Nakamoto. “We’re in this together,” shared Roy Yamaguchi. “Our mission has always been to Taste Our Love for the Land.” Alan Wong credited exposure from the Festival for shattering stereotypes that Hawaii cuisine consists of “pineapple and macadamia nuts.”

HFWF also introduced Franklin Arguelles of Roy’s Ko Olina as the Hawaii chef who earned a grant that will cover travel and living expenses to stage in acclaimed restaurants through a partnership between HFWF and the prestigious culinary nonprofit, ment’Or BKB Foundation.

HFWF is a program of the nonprofit, Hawaii Ag and Culinary Alliance. Its mission is to attract national and international attention to the extraordinary culinary talent, as well as the diversity of quality locally grown products to ensure Hawaii maintains its competitive edge as a world-class destination.

Two new events in May will officially launch #HFWF18 on May 9th and May 11th at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. That’s when The Festival will announce the talent and themes for the eighth annual festival happening October 6 – 28, 2018.